THE LEADER of the Welsh Liberal Democrats has welcomed news that there will be ‘significant changes’ to the flawed draft Wales Bill.
However, she has labelled the idea of a referendum on any legal jurisdiction proposals as ‘absurd’ and ‘bizarre’.
The Secretary of State announced this week that the Wales Bill will be delayed until summer to allow time for changes.
Kirsty Williams AM said: “A pause in this process is the right decision. The Wales Bill has the opportunity to finally put right mistakes of the past with regards to Wales’ devolution settlement. However, the draft bill was seriously flawed and not in any fit state to move forward.
“The Welsh Liberal Democrats welcome the removal of the ‘necessity test’ and a promise that the list of powers reserved to Westminster will be significantly cut down.
“For such a major and complicated issue, it is understandable that the UK Government wants to establish a working group to look potential changes to the legal jurisdiction. However, it is quite frankly absurd that the Secretary of State believes this issue would require a referendum.
“Having rightly removed the need for a referendum on tax varying powers, it is nothing short of bizarre to suggest another one. The last thing the people of Wales want is yet another technical referendum on the constitution.
“The status quo of Welsh devolution cannot stand. Devolution must work properly and efficiently for the people of Wales.”
Add Comment